ABSTRACT
Women’s peace movements have different roots in different cultures and societies, growing out of specific wars, civil rights, independence, and feminist movements. There is no ‘one’ theory that links women and peace, but multiple theories arising out of particular histories, places, and perspectives. Women in Black – an international network – share an understanding that violence against women in the home and in the community, in times of peace and in times of war, is interrelated. There is a continuum of gender violence that is a causal factor in violence against women, militarism, and wars. Women in Black has no constitution, no manifesto, and no membership – yet inspires women across the world to learn from each other how to develop new, creative forms of connection and resistance. The theory of a continuum of violence connects the diverse experiences of women in different places, and helps us to understand just how much we need to change gender relations to reach a more peaceful and inclusive future.
